It is important to schedule regular appointments with your family dental care professional to uncover any possible dental health issues that could turn into dental emergencies. Excruciating pain in the teeth, gums, or jaw; and bleeding from the gums, are some of the apparent signs that you may need oral surgery.

You must take any persistent issues related to your gums, teeth, or jawbone seriously enough to ascertain the need for oral surgery. An experienced dentist qualified to perform oral surgery can help you decide with the aid of imaging and other diagnostic tests. 

You may need a competent oral surgeon to help you with dental problems like wisdom teeth, bone loss, and jaw misalignment. Here we discuss some of the symptoms that may suggest that you need oral surgery.

6 signs that you need oral surgery

Lost or Damaged Tooth

Losing or damaging a tooth due to an accident may call for an emergency oral surgery. Other situations like a painful decayed tooth or a previously missing tooth could also necessitate an appointment with your dentist. Damaged or missing teeth can induce gum disease, speech-related issues, and complications with the surrounding teeth.  

An experienced dentist can skillfully extract a damaged or decaying tooth and prescribe a suitable tooth replacement technique like a crown or dental bridge, or a tooth implant surgery.   

Impacted Teeth

The final set of molars are the most likely teeth to become impacted. These are teeth that people generally get in their late teens or early twenties. Also called wisdom teeth. Often, the wisdom teeth do not emerge fully, infecting and causing decay in the local area.

People in their early twenties and teenagers are likely candidates for oral surgery for the removal of wisdom teeth.  If you are experiencing persistent swelling with accompanying fever and pain, or excessive pressure at the back of your mouth, you must consult with your dentist immediately.

Loss of Jawbone Density

Sometimes, a delay in getting dental implants for your missing tooth can result in a substantial loss in jawbone density. Your dentist may need to perform a dental bone graft before you are ready for the teeth implants.

In a bone graft, the dentist uses a part of healthy bone from another site or from a donor to fortify your jawbone. You can go through with your dental implants once the grafted bone fuses with your jawbone in some time.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)

TMJ is a defect of the joint where the skull meets the lower jaw in front of the ear. This affliction can cause pain, jaw stiffness, and headaches. You may require oral surgery on the joint if the malady is persistent despite oral devices, medications, and physical therapy.

Breathing Disorders Related to Sleep Apnea

If you are unable to breathe normally while asleep or your snoring is intrusive, you might have to consider oral surgery procedures. Consult an oral surgeon who may recommend laser surgery or surgical removal of the soft tissue from the lower jaw.  

Jaw Misalignment

If a visual inspection shows the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, you need to visit your dentist at once. While orthodontic devices like braces can correct some misalignment, your dentist might suggest oral surgery in a severe case. Relocation of a part or whole of the upper jaw can correctly realign and balance the mouth’s movements.

Safe and Effective Oral Surgery in Roswell, GA

You must consult with an experienced dentist to find out if you need oral surgery for your dental and facial disorder or ailment. At Sunshine Smiles Dentistry, the top-rated family dentist in Roswell, GA, we continue to serve the dental needs of Roswell and other surrounding communities. We are well-equipped to administer and perform safe and effective oral surgery according to your needs. Contact us using our online form or call us today at 770-998-8116, to schedule an appointment with us.

Four Proven Benefits of All on 4 Implants

All on 4 implants or full-arch implant is a surgical dental procedure that refers to four or six dental implants supporting all teeth. The implants support a 10-14 teeth prosthesis typically placed within 24 hours of surgery.

These fixed implant bridges use materials like monolithic zirconia, acrylic fused to titanium, and porcelain with cobalt-chromium. Some dental practices promote All-on-4 as the best procedure for rehabilitation of the edentulous patients with decayed, compromised, or badly broken teeth.

The unique All-on-4 technique is known for its precision in post placement with the help of a fabricated metal surgical guide.  

Advantages of All on 4 Implants

There are manifold advantages of the All-on-4 technique. There are advantages to your oral health and other areas of your life. Here are some of the benefits of this procedure:

Prevents Bone Loss

Lost and missing teeth usually lead to degradation of the jawbone. In the All-on-4 method, the implants fix directly to the jawbone. They act like the roots of natural teeth. This also effectively minimizes the effect of bone loss.

The pressure of the implants on the jawbone exactly resembles that of natural teeth, bolstering bone mass retention and administering strength and stability to the area. The All-on-4 technique has its uses even in patients with some level of bone loss.

The implants substantially reduce the need for a bone graft to proceed further. This is because they implement a stable connection to the jaw bone. This in turn significantly reduces treatment and recovery timelines.

Boosts Self-Esteem

The All-on-4 method provides patients an entire set of new, as-good-as natural teeth. These teeth are firmly and comfortably linked in the mouth. This also empowers them to enjoy their favorite foods, and partake of a variety of food and drink, without worrying about it anymore.

Knowing that their teeth are strong, secure, and stable; tremendously boosts the self-esteem and confidence of the patients. They can now go through life with little concern about situations where their loose dentures could be the source of embarrassment for them. 

Easier Aftercare

Aftercare for your All-on-4 implants and teeth is relatively easy if you just follow the normal oral care practices that you are familiar with. You need to keep up with the important and necessary routine activities like brushing, oral rinsing, flossing, and getting regular dental checkups.

Not requiring any costly or messy adhesives is another benefit that you can reap from the All-on-4 technique. This saves a lot time and money in the long run.

A Lasting Solution

Another major benefit of the All-on-4 treatment is that the procedure is for good. The results are permanent. Traditional dentures on the other hand require time-consuming fitting sessions. 

In the traditional implants, gum recession causes the dentures to become loose and uncomfortable over time. But with the All-on-4 technique, the dentures are securely fastened and not prone to the same problems.

All-on-4 method helps in a permanent solution resulting in more comfort and satisfaction for the patient.

Meet Your Trusted Dentist in Roswell, GA for Dental Implants

We can look after your family’s needs for high-quality dental care in Roswell, GA. For a thorough appraisal of your dental condition and whether you might require an All-on-4 dental implant, consult the dental experts at Sunshine Smiles Dentistry in Roswell, GA at 770-998-8116..

Most people do not feel dental implant pain. Unlike dentures and bridges, your dentist surgically places dental implants in your mouth. The process calls for them to drill into the jawbone and cut into the gums. This might conjure prospects of pain and discomfort in the patients. But the fact is that most patients do not feel any pain as the local anesthetic takes effect.  

Dentists perform the implant procedure with great precision, reducing the pain and trauma to a bare minimum. After returning home from the procedure, you can manage the post-operative implant pain with medications prescribed by your oral surgeon or dentist.

Is Pain Normal after a Dental Implant Surgery?

Dentists use the latest technology and techniques in surgery to make sure the procedure is pain-free and minimally-invasive. However, a dental implant procedure still involves major surgery to drill and create incisions in the jaws and gums to place your implant.

Some minor discomfort and pain are par for the course after the effects of anesthesia and sedation wear off. Some amount of pain, swelling, inflammation, and bruising are likely in the first 24 hours immediately after the oral surgery.

You must adhere to the instructions of your dentist regarding your dietary restrictions, pain medications, and daily activities so that your mouth has sufficient time to heal properly. 

How Long Does the Pain Continue after a Dental Implant Surgery?

In most cases, the pain and discomfort reach their peak within 3-5 days after your dental implant procedure, after which it begins to subside at a relatively fast pace. Coming to the end of your first week after your oral surgery, you should not be feeling much pain or discomfort.

Other related symptoms like swelling, inflammation, and bruising usually begin to subside a great deal by this time. Based on your healing, your mouth should start to feel normal in about 1-2 weeks after your dental implant procedure. By this time, you should be free of pain and swelling, and ready to resume your normal daily activities. 

What Should I Do if the Pain Does Not Subside Even Two Weeks After My Surgery?

Most of the patients undergoing dental implant surgeries can expect to heal within 2 weeks of the procedure. Sometimes it might take another 3-6 months for your dental implant fuses with your jaw bone completely. Meanwhile, you must monitor any signs of pain and discomfort.

If you feel serious pain and discomfort persist beyond two weeks after your surgery, you must visit your dentist for an oral examination to ascertain the cause.

Sometimes, an infection of or around the dental implant site can be the reason behind the continuing pain and discomfort. Your dentist can clean and disinfect the site and prescribe antibiotics that can help heal the infection and save the dental implant.

In rare cases rejection of the dental implant by your body can also cause persistent pain after surgery. One of the reasons for this bodily rejection could be an undiagnosed metal allergy. This can thwart proper healing and cause pain and discomfort.

Safe and Predictable Dental Implant Treatment in Roswell, GA

If you are contemplating dental implant surgery, you should contact the Roswell dentist at Sunshine Smiles Dentistry to find out more about dental implant pain and recovery. We are here to answer any questions or apprehensions you might have regarding the dental implant procedure and its aftercare. Call or schedule an online appointment today!

Roswell, GA is a city with a lot of character. Its packed with parks, dining options, art exhibits and a lot of history. Are you trying to decide what to do in Roswell this February? Here are our list of some of the things to do in Roswell, Georgia.

North Fulton High School Exhibition:

The North Fulton High School Exhibition is sponsored by the Roswell Fine Arts Alliance and the Roswell Visual Arts Center. This is being showcased at the Roswell Visual Arts Center which is located at 10495 Woodstock Rd (located inside Roswell Area Park) Roswell, GA, 30075.

Roswell Restaurants week

Roswell Restaurants week is an event by Roswell Inc and Visit Roswell. For 2022 this event happens from January 20 – February 6. You get to experience diverse cuisines from local Roswell restaurants.

ArtAround Roswell

ArtAround Roswell came about through a partnership between Roswell Arts Fund and the City of Roswell. One of its objectives is to Enhance the aesthetic appeal, interest, and experience of residents and visitors. This features various several permanent and temporary art pieces.

Visit Sunshine Smiles Dentistry – local dentist in Roswell, GA

National Children’s Dental Health Month: February is recognized as the National Children’s Dental Health Month by the American Dental Association (ADA). This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others. During the program, parents will learn about when children should have their first dental visit, ways to prevent early childhood caries, when to expect changes from primary to permanent teeth, proper brushing and flossing techniques, thumb sucking, dental sealants, choosing the right mouth protector for active children and adolescents, and teaching their children to say no to tobacco. Parents will also learn about the importance of regular dental examinations. Come visit Sunshine Smiles Dentistry – local dentist in Roswell, GA and learn more about the dental health for your entire family. You can get a full dental exam, cleanings, fillings, crowns, implants, root canals or cosmetic dental procedures such as Teeth Whitening, Veneers and teeth straightening. We are a friendly dental office that provides affordable dental care to everybody.

What are the different types of mouthguards and what mouthguard is best for you are some of the most common questions on mouthguards. An old adage says that a smiling face is the best looking face. And yet, how many of us feel confident to wear a winning smile all day? Not many. The reason for our hesitation could be multifold – distorted teeth, misaligned jaw-line, stains, etc. While advanced dental treatments do help fix these issues for the long term, mouth guards can also protect your teeth against damage.

Nightguards for Bruxism

Bruxism is a medical condition where we frequently grind our teeth. This is often triggered by fear, stress and anxiety, and can hence get worse at night when we feel less in control. It also damages your teeth with the potential for gum inflammation too!

If you are a serial teeth grinder, the nightguard is your type of mouthguard. It is fittingly named, as it is meant to be worn without discomfort during sleep. An added bonus is the enhanced quality of restfulness you may experience with your teeth less restless all night.

Splints for TMJ disorders

Temporomandibular joint or TMJ is a jaw-disorder suspected to affect more than 10 million Americans. If you find yourself frequently experiencing frequent discomfort around your jaw/ teeth joints, pain near your ears, lock jaw, facial aches and other jaw related pains, you may be potentially suffering from TMJ.

A mouthguard or a night splint can provide immediate relief, while also aligning your jaw for long-term benefits. Since this is triggered by a medical condition, do ensure that you check with your dentist before using a mouthguard as a possible fix.

Mouthguards for protection from injuries

If you are an active athlete or enjoy frequently getting dirty with a ball on the field, your body is likely to take its share of hits and misses. This includes your mouth, which may be especially vulnerable while playing football, soccer, hockey and other active sports. For this, a mouth guard for sports is the straightforward solution to protect your teeth from risk of injury. Also, you only wear it when you’re playing.

Over the counter Stockguards

Regardless of the type of mouthguard you seek, a stockguard is the kind that is easily available over the counter, often without prescription, so you can quickly tap into its many benefits. Unfortunately, this also means that one size is expected to fit all, which may or may not address your unique situation.

Boil-and-bite mouthguards

Don’t let the quirky name put you off. They mean it literally but in a non-threatening way, as this type is more customizable than stockguards. Here, you put the mouthguard in hot water, making it malleable, and then put it into your mouth (while it’s still warm), so it aligns itself to the shape of your jaws and teeth. As you can guess, this is a step up over stockguards.

Custom-made mouthguards

These are more expensive but are perfectly customized for you. These are also recommended if you are treating a long-term condition (like TMJ, Bruxism, etc.) In this, your dentist takes precise measurements of your jaw and teeth, before ordering a mouth guard individualized for your unique pearly whites. This also means that they fit without discomfort and last significantly longer than other types of mouthguards.

Do Insurances cover mouthguards?

Several insurances have coverages for mouthguards especially if the dentist prescribes them for Bruxism. At Sunshine Smiles Dentistry we see patients who have Aetna, United HealthCare, Delta Dental and several other dental insurances. Even if you do not have dental insurance we can offer you an in house membership plan to make mouthguards more affordable for you. Watch our video on different types of mouth guards as well.

What type of mouthguard should you choose?

Our local dentists near Roswell, Georgia at Sunshine Smiles Dentistry has years of experience in recommending the right mouth protection treatments, including custom mouthguards for every type of face. Book an online appointment to find the perfect mouthguard for your face today.

How many of us can claim ownership to the “perfect” smile, or at least a smile that we feel proud of? Crooked teeth, deformed teeth, protruding teeth, chipped teeth, or simply badly aligned teeth are often the bane of many an American. This is a medical problem, and dental technology has a straightforward and guaranteed solution to it: braces. Here are 5 benefits of using clear braces/aligners.

And yet, how many of us are willing to embrace this solution, especially if we’re past our early teens? Sadly, not many. We look at an increasingly popular alternative to conventional braces.

Clear braces, also referred to as invisible aligners (Invisalign or ClearCorrect), make it both feasible and advantageous to straighten teeth even during adulthood. Read on to discover 5 undeniable benefits of this rising technology.

1.    Clear braces are less obvious and hence less embarrassing

Almost no teen or adult would want to advertise their need for braces in order to rectify teeth misalignment. In fact, traditional metal braces can be uncomfortable and cause embarrassment to some patients. The wearer might even be bestowed with the unfortunate title of being a “metal mouth”! Fortunately, clear braces deliver what they promise – near invisibility of the dental aids used between your teeth, so you can smile without restrictions and with uninhibited glee.

2.    Plastic composition is user-friendly

Yes, clear braces are made from clear plastic (as opposed to clunky metal braces), and hence make it easier to bear daily wear and tear. If you’ve struggled with clearing debris from metal braces, then you can recognize this for the huge advantage it is.

3.    Easily removable and hence more versatile

Conventional metal braces can seem like a one-way street for your teeth, as you’re required to wear them until your teeth are completely straightened. In contrast, clear braces can be easily slid off without a dentist’s supervision, so you can take them off during important events like a work presentation or a social gathering, and slide them back easily when convenient, and without drawing undue attention.

4.    Seamlessly fits into modern lifestyles

Metal braces can restrict what you eat, especially in public. For instance, the last thing you want as an adult is to be caught picking your lunch noodle still stuck between your (metal) teeth! The possibility of this happening with clear braces is significantly lower. You can even remove your braces when eating in public for enhanced comfort. This also makes it easier for cleaning.

5.    Results are quick and progressive

With conventional braces, you often have to wait until the dental aids have reshaped your teeth for visible results. This can be a year or two or even more for many people! Clear aligners may deliver similar results in a relatively shorter period. For this reason, they also need to be refitted by a dentist every 6 weeks, as your teeth visibly changes shape and form in alignment with the braces.

Contact Sunshine Smiles Dentistry for clear braces today!

These 5 benefits of using Clear braces show you that they are the right orthodontic solution that every teen or adult wishing for the perfect smile needs. Our dedicated Roswell Cosmetic Dentist at Sunshine Smiles Dentistry is specialized in helping teens and adults reshape and rediscover their perfect smile with clear braces. We also accept Aetna, MetLife, Delta Dental and many other insurances. Book an online appointment today for a fulfilling treatment experience.

Mouth Cancer Screening at the Dentist

No doubt about it – “Cancer” is a scary term, and its manifestation in any form can be detrimental or even fatal to your health! This includes mouth cancer, also called oral cancer. As the country marks “Mouth Cancer Awareness Month”, you should know that certain lifestyle and genetic factors may make you more susceptible to it.

These may include:

• Regular tobacco usage
• Regular alcohol usage – yes, especially for women
• Unprotected exposure to sun, as this leaves you vulnerable to lip cancer
• Genetic history with this disease
• Gender, as men are statistically known to be more vulnerable as women

Fortunately, you can ask your dentist to screen you for this dreaded disease well before it turns actually life threatening. Read on to discover how your dentist can screen you for cancer.

A visual exam

Have you observed how your dentist gently nudges your face/ chin in various directions, during the first few minutes of every visit? This may seem annoying or even funny, but what they are doing in reality, is visually checking your mouth for potentially cancerous lumps and bumps. They may even use visual aids like a torchlight, mirror, tongue depressor, etc. to look more deeply into your mouth.

If you wish to voluntarily trigger such an exam, do remove all dental aids from your mouth before you ask for a check up. This includes braces, dentures, jewelry, etc. as they can interfere in the visual inspection.

A physical exam

This is similar to the visual exam, but with additional tactile inspections. For instance, the dentist may ask you to open your mouth, put your tongue out and take a deep breath, as they continue feeling around your chin/ mouth for cancerous lumps. 

In the early stages, this should also be relatively painless. Conversely, if you feel pain during such an exam, do alert your dentist, as this could point to a troublesome spot in your mouth.

A formal screening device

With technological advancements in modern dentistry, screening tools are now available to help your dentist check more thoroughly for cancer-related signs and symptoms. Your dentist may go through your genetic history, medical history and lifestyle habits with you, so they know which areas of your mouth are potentially prone to disease.

Do note, screenings are not equivalent to diagnosis, but can alert you to the potential of risk.

In closing, oral cancer is a real threat to modern society. Do make sure you protect yourself from lip cancer, by using an ADA approved lip balm when you’re out in the sun. Also, with current lifestyles, cancer-screenings are recommended at least twice a year. Do these along with your routine dentist visit. Be candid about your lifestyle choices – like indulgence of tobacco or alcohol. This information is crucial to helping your dentist spot a potential Cancer problem, well before it turns dangerous.

Schedule your dental exam and oral cancer screening with our dentist today

Our highly knowledgeable dentist near Roswell, Georgia is experienced in screening your mouth for any form of oral cancer. Book an online appointment today to ensure you are protected from oral problems. Also increase your chances of early detection of mouth cancer.